by Dennis Toman, JD, CELA As an Elder Law attorney, I’ve learned that there are only a few certainties in life. One is that no one makes it out of this world alive; everyone’s life on Earth ends. And another certainty is that everyone has or had a mother. Less certain is whether family bonds… Read More
Odds are, your parents will need long-term care someday. Have you had a conversation with them about that yet? Don't say it won't happen to your parents. At least 70% of people over age 65 will require some form of long-term care services and support during their lives. (From 2015 Medicare & You, National Medicare… Read More
When you're looking for an elder law attorney, you will see very few that have achieved the status of certified elder law attorney (CELA). But what does that certification mean? What does it say about the person who is a CELA, and why does it matter? When you see the CELA designation, you can rest… Read More
A durable power attorney (sometimes called a financial power of attorney) is one of the most important estate planning documents. But not all powers of attorney are alike. Using a form power of attorney that you purchase online or at an office supply store could be a very costly mistake. While a power of attorney form… Read More
What happens to your pets when something happens to you? Many people never think about this, as they presume they will outlive their dog or cat. But what if you're the one who becomes unable to care for your pet, because of illness or Alzheimer's or an accident. Or what would happen if you die… Read More
You've worked hard all your life for what you have. As a boomer or senior in North Carolina living your second have of life, thoughts about what would happen if you need long-term care are bothering you more. You don't want to have to leave home if you or your spouse need care. You worry about… Read More
If you served during active duty during a wartime period (WWII, Korean War, Vietnam War or Persian Gulf War) or if you are the widow of a wartime veteran, you may be eligible for a monthly check from the VA. This program is known as "VA Aid and Attendance." In many cases you could receive $1000… Read More
If you're the parent or grandparent of a child with special needs, the planning you do could make a tremendous difference to help your child or grandchild. You'll also be helping your other children with having resources and tools to best help their sibling. Generally a special needs trust will be used to provide this… Read More
Medicaid for long-term care is a huge topic, but we're going to cover the basics as briefly as possible here. How this applies depend to you or your loved one depends on your particular circumstances. Because these rules are complicated and change often, you should consult with Board Certified Elder Law Specialist to get the best… Read More
Elder Law attorneys are competent, caring and compassionate professionals. The practice of Elder Law focuses on the overall view of what is best for older clients and their families. As the number of older individuals increases, the need is growing for specialized legal advice about aging-related issues. This topics typically include retirement income, long-term care… Read More
